--Blackhawks forwards Vinnie Hinostroza and Ryan Hartman are great friends on and off the ice. Their friendship dates back many years and has crossed over multiple sports. When they were kids, they played on a youth football team together. “We were both pretty tenacious back then,” said Hinostroza. “We’d cry every time we lost. At that age we wanted to win so bad that me and him would pretty much go at it.” (Chicago Tribune)
--'Hawks’ legend Stan Mikita has been dealing with dementia, which has taken away his ability to remember. But others, like his children, friends and former teammates, are quick to share stories about his life and hockey career. “I’m not sure there was a smarter player who ever played the game,” said Doug Wilson, who played with Mikita. (Sports Illustrated)
--ESPN’s hockey roundtable breaks down the potential trade deadline acquisitions that have increased or decreased their value over the last week. Kevin Shattenkirk and Michael Stone have seen their stock rise, while Ben Bishop’s struggles might diminish a potential return for the Tampa Bay Lightning. (ESPN)
--In a (sort of) shocking upset, Carter Hutton and the St. Louis Blues blanked Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins last night. You can watch the highlights from that game by clicking the video at the top of the page.
--Has the NHL finally found the right formula for their All-Star game? Last year, the league introduced a 3-on-3 tournament and it sounds like at least one player was furious when his team didn’t qualify for the championship game. “He was mad,” said NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood. “He is saying, ‘I want to be out there. I’m so mad that I’m leaving this building and not playing to win this event.’ I thought it was pretty cool.” When the players care, it usually makes the game more entertaining. (USA Today)
--Not only is Rangers forward Pavel Buchnevich in his first year in the NHL, but he’s also getting his first taste of a North American lifestyle. Adjusting to the NHL is tough enough, so you can just imagine how difficult it is to be 21 years old and away from your home country. “I couldn’t imagine being in his position with not much English, and he’s settled nice,” said teammate Jimmy Vesey. (New York Times)
--The Calgary Flames turned in another ugly performance last night, as they were handed a 5-1 beating at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens. After the game, Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan ripped into his team for their “pathetic display":
#Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan assesses his team's play vs. the #Habs. https://t.co/X79VygyfqM
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) January 25, 2017